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Cesky Sternberk Castle: The star of the Posazavi region
May 6, 2013 . Read count: 80.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Sazava River, Cesky Sternberk Castle dominates the Posazavi region with its imposing, massive Gothic exterior. Inside, there is an eclectic collection of treasures from Renaissance chests to Rococo furniture to be viewed on the … Continue reading
Jemniste Chateau
May 3, 2013 . Read count: 73.
Baroque treasure Jemniste Chateau near Benesov, about an hour from Prague, is an architectural gem flaunting the Baroque style. It only has eight representative rooms, which is in some respect an advantage as it gives the place an intimate feel. … Continue reading
Football in Terezin during the Nazi Occupation
May 3, 2013 . Read count: 53.
The Small Fortress in Terezin will host an exposition focusing on football (American soccer)played there from 1942 to 1944, when the town was under Nazi control as a Jewish ghetto-transit camp and Gestapo prison. The exhibition will be held from … Continue reading
Terezin to honor victims of World War II
May 3, 2013 . Read count: 52.
Honoring the victims of Nazi persecution, a remembrance ceremony – Terezinska Tryzna – will be held at Terezin, a former fortress town that served as a Jewish ghetto and prison during World War II, on May 19. The ceremony will … Continue reading
Czech Coronation Jewels
April 30, 2013 . Read count: 142.
Declared a Czech cultural monument in 1962, the Bohemian coronation jewels will be on display at Prague Castle’s Vladislav Hall in the Old Royal Palace from May 10 to May 19 in 2013. The fourth oldest crown in Europe and … Continue reading
Dresden’s Frauenkirche: Baroque splendor
April 24, 2013 . Read count: 125.
On February 13, 1945, the bewitching, Baroque Protestant Frauenkirche was bombed in an air raid and reduced to ruins. The rubble would remain in the center of Dresden, the capital of the state of Saxony, for some 45 years. The … Continue reading
The Green Vault at Dresden Castle
April 24, 2013 . Read count: 195.
Baroque to Classicist treasures in two museums The Historic Green Vault and the New Green Vault at Dresden’s Castle are sure to dazzle visitors with more than 4,000 works of art in both museums. Showing off treasures of bronze, silver, … Continue reading
The Zwinger in Dresden
April 24, 2013 . Read count: 116.
If you are in Dresden and have an interest in art or porcelain, the Zwinger is the place to be. The Rococo Zwinger palace houses 750 paintings from the 15th to 18th century by renowned masters in its Old Masters … Continue reading
The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague’s Jewish Town
April 4, 2013 . Read count: 217.
Each tombstone tells a story Each crooked tombstone in the third oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe tells a story, crying out its own eerie song. There are stories of pogroms, fires and floods. Lavish tombstones speak of the golden days … Continue reading
The Old-New Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Town
March 22, 2013 . Read count: 231.
Franz Kafka attended services here. Legend says that Golem, that artificial being made of clay during the 16th century, is hidden in the attic. Built in Gothic Cistercian style during the latter part of the 13th century, the Old-New Synagogue … Continue reading
The Klausen Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Town
March 22, 2013 . Read count: 201.
The construction of the Klausen Synagogue Built when Renaissance architecture flourished in the Jewish Town during the 16th century, the Klausen Synagogue near the Old Jewish Cemetery was named after the Latin “claustrum,”which means “small building.” Wealthy businessman and mayor … Continue reading
The Pinkas Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Town
March 22, 2013 . Read count: 240.
The power of the names Grosssova, Grunbaum, Klopper, Meiselova, Friedenthal, Seiner, Ledererova. The 77,297 names of Holocaust victims jump out at visitors, slapping them in the face with the reality of the Jews’ tragic plight during World War II. All … Continue reading
The Maisel Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Town
March 22, 2013 . Read count: 212.
The construction of the Maisel Synagogue During Emperor Rudolf II’s reign in the 16th century, the Jewish Town thrived culturally and economically as Jews experienced more freedom in Czech society. Mordechai ben Samuel Maisel, the wealthy Jewish Town mayor, funded … Continue reading
Anniversaries
Tomáš Garrigue MasarykJan Palach
Composers and Prague
Bedřich Smetana and his opera "The Bartered Bride"Beethoven's Prague Connection
Mozart and Prague
Culture
The defiant and controversial Czech artist: David ČernýKarel Gott - An international singing sensation
Miloš Forman
The Art of Czech Crystal
Vyšehrad Cemetery
Fresh Film Fest
Strings of Autumn
Summer Shakespeare Festival
Cesky Krumlov Music Festival
Prague Baroque Music Festival
The Karlovy Vary Film Festival
A Famous Czech Song
Prague Spring International Music Festival
Czech Cuisine
Czech Beer, Breweries and BeerhallsCzech Holidays
The Velvet Divorce - January 1, 1993New Year's Eve in the Czech Republic
A Czech Christmas
November 17 - The Velvet Revolution
October 28: Foundation of Czechoslovakia
Reformer Jan Hus
Cyril and Methodius
September 28th – The day of Czech Statehood
Czech Easter
May 1st - Labor Day
May 1945 - Prague Uprising and Liberation
Czech UNESCO Sites
The Villa Tugendhat: An architectural gem in BrnoBrno: A Moravian marvel
Litomyšl - UNESCO Site
Český Krumlov - UNESCO Site
Kutná Hora and the Bone Church - UNESCO Site
Olomouc - UNESCO Site
Eastern Europe Destinations
BudapestExhibitions
Nicholas Winton ExhibitionFamous Czechs
Emil Škoda: Czech entrepreneur during Habsburg ruleAlphonse Mucha: Czech king of the Art Nouveau
Franz Kafka, Prague Jewish Author
Edvard Beneš - Czechoslovak Statesman
The artistic genius of Karel and Josef Čapek
Tomáš Baťa - founder of the Baťa Shoe Company
Miloš Forman
Jaroslav Hašek and his novel "The Good Soldier Svejk"
Bohumil Hrabal
Václav Havel
History
Wenceslas III (Václav III): The end of a dynastySlavkov – Battle of Austerlitz
Přemysl Otakar II: The Iron and Golden King
Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
Milada Horáková, Executed by the Communists
The Mašín Gang: Heroes or villains
The Beneš Decrees
The Three Kings: Heroes of the Czechoslovak resistance
Life During the Nazi Occupation
Life during the Communist era in Czechoslovakia
The Communist Coup in Czechoslovakia
Hussite Wars
Jan Žižka
Rudolph II
Elizabeth Jane Weston
Edward Kelley
27 Noblemen Executed
Battle of White Mountain
Prague Spring, 1968
Defenestration of Prague in 1618
Jan Jesenský
John of Nepomuk
Saint Agnes (Anezka)
Terezin Concentration Camp
The Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich
Premyslid Dynasty
King Charles IV and the Luxembourg Dynasty
May 1945 - Prague Uprising and Liberation
Medieval Castles
Hluboká nad Vltavou ChateauPernštejn Castle: A medieval jewel in south Moravia
Křivoklát Castle
Karlštejn Castle
Monasteriess
Broumov MonasteryZlatá Koruna
Vyšší Brod Monastery
Teplá Monastery
The Strahov Monastery
Plasy Monastery
Nature Reserves
Koněprusy CavesOther
Czech town halls and Tibetan flagsNicholas Winton, Hero
Prague Parks
Riegerovy Sady ParkLetná Park
Stromovka Park
Divoká Šárka Park
Průhonice Park
Prague Sights
Astronomical Clock (Orloj)Prague´s Lesser Town
St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague Castle
Prague´s New Town (Nové Město)
Vyšehrad
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
Prague´s Old Town (Staré město)
Trója Chateau
Prague Zoo
Prague's Jewish Town
John Lennon Wall
Sights outside of Prague
Třeboň: an architectural gem in southern BohemiaNot the Usual Czech Winter Sports
Terezin Concentration Camp
Lidice and Ležáky
Traditions
Mikulaš and Santa ClausHalloween in the Czech Republic
Walpurgis Night (Čarodejnice)
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
June 25, 2012 . Read count: 15651.
Becoming heir to the Habsburg throne Born in Graz, Austria on December 18, 1863, Franz Ferdinand was the eldest son of Archduke Karl Ludwig of Austria, the brother of Franz Joseph. In 1889 his cousin, the Emperor’s son, Crown Prince … Continue reading
Alphonse Mucha: Czech king of the Art Nouveau
July 22, 2012 . Read count: 4891.
The prolific Mucha The imaginative and passionate creations by legendary Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist Alphonse Mucha are well-known throughout the world, especially the idealized images of Sarah Bernhardt with her poignant, exhilarating gaze. An avid supporter of democratic … Continue reading
Life during the Communist era in Czechoslovakia
February 22, 2012 . Read count: 3861.
The years of totalitarian rule in Czechoslovakia, from 1948 to 1989, were dark and dismal days, indeed. After the 1948 coup, Communist ideology permeated citizens’ lives and dominated all aspects of society. Czechoslovakia’s political decisions were dictated by the Soviet … Continue reading
The Velvet Divorce – January 1, 1993
January 4, 2012 . Read count: 3503.
High hopes after 1989 Many had high hopes for the democratic Czechoslovakia that was reestablished after the 1989 Velvet Revolution. After all, the country had been democratic for 20 years during the First Republic (1918-1938). Plus Czech and Slovak were … Continue reading
Egon Schiele: an Austrian painter in Cesky Krumlov
October 12, 2012 . Read count: 3193.
Known for his figures with distorted forms and provocative nudes, Austrian painter Egon Schiele became one of the leading artists in Vienna during the early 20th century, greatly influenced by Secessionism and Austrian painter Gustav Klimt’s creations. He even lived … Continue reading
Gustav Klimt: A pioneer of artistic vision in Vienna
January 31, 2013 . Read count: 3141.
A pioneer of artistic individuality, Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt promoted the Viennese Secession movement, in which he took part for more than 10 years. His unique style is in part rendered by golden ornamentation and a sensual portrayal of … Continue reading
Tomáš Baťa – founder of the Baťa Shoe Company
April 2, 2012 . Read count: 2798.
April 3, 1876: a future entrepreneur is born Born April 3, 1876 in the southeastern Moravian town of Zlín, Tomáš Baťa would become a leading entrepreneur in a family that boasted a long and productive history in shoemaking. His family … Continue reading
The Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich
May 23, 2011 . Read count: 2708.
June 4, 1942 When head of Nazi security police and governor of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, Reinhard Heydrich, died 70 years ago, June 4, 1942, due to wounds inflicted by Czech parachutists during an assassination attempt, it marked … Continue reading
Lidice and Ležáky
May 18, 2011 . Read count: 2571.The History of Lidice The village of Lidice, population 503 in 1942, had existed for hundreds of years; perhaps a thousand. The first written mention of the village dates from around 1300. It survived the Hussite Wars, as well as … Continue reading
Terezin Concentration Camp – Theresienstadt
May 23, 2011 . Read count: 2352.
History of Terezin – Theresienstadt Terezín existed long before it became a Nazi work camp with a Gestapo prison during World War II. Because it was easily accessible and easy to guard, the Austrians used it to strengthen their defense … Continue reading
Astronomical Clock (Orloj)
June 25, 2011 . Read count: 2298.
Old Town Hall Tower Prague’s astronomical clock is one of the most popular draws in the city. Enthusiastic, clapping tourists crowd in front of the Old Town Hall tower to watch the clock strike the time every hour. As the … Continue reading
David Černý: The defiant and controversial Czech artist
September 10, 2012 . Read count: 2195.
David Černý the rebel A rebel motivated by anger, sculptor David Černý never fails to spark controversy with his shocking and provocative creations placed in public areas. He has painted a Soviet tank pink and designed male figures that urinate … Continue reading
Prague Castle
June 7, 2011 . Read count: 2175.
Introduction Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world. This stunning architectural achievement, which took centuries to complete, reigns supreme from a hill above the rest of the city. It is also the seat of the city of … Continue reading
